Solar Panel Cost Guide in Kearney, MO (Mar 2023)
- Kearney Solar Installation Cost: $13,162
- 25-Year Savings: $19,773
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Kearney
We break down average solar pricing in Kearney.
In Kearney, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Kearney is around 7.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,162 for a solar installation, or $18,822 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Kearney based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Kearney homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Kearney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,845 |
| 3 years | $-9,210 |
| 5 years | $-6,575 |
| 7 years | $-3,941 |
| 9 years | $-1,306 |
| 11 years | $1,329 |
| 13 years | $3,964 |
| 15 years | $6,599 |
| 17 years | $9,233 |
| 19 years | $11,868 |
| 21 years | $14,503 |
| 23 years | $17,138 |
| 25 years | $19,773 |
Top Solar Installers in Kearney
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and expertise. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Kearney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Kearney
The cost of installing a solar system in Kearney can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,590. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Kearney provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Kearney, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.69 | $11,313 | $15,892 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $21,480 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $27,212 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $33,090 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $39,113 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $45,280 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $51,593 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $58,051 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Kearney, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Kearney, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Kearney?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $906.85 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.